You know cyber terrorism is for real when they break into the databases of FBI partnered organizations. In our last post, we discussed how the ISIS has equipped itself to carry out cyber-attacks on governments and business entities. In this edition, we talk about steps you need to take to keep it safe and functional.

There are two chief causes of concern on cyber terrorism:

There is no tested or universal safeguard

There is no official and unanimous definition of cyber terrorism

It is fairly difficult to counter an undefined or unknown enemy. But there are fairly simple steps that are often surprisingly sufficient to save you from a potential cyber terror attack. Here is a roundup of four such steps.

Step 1: Use protection for hardware and software

Strong systems to detect intrusions are already available. You may install one of these after proper tests and verification. Once installed, show alacrity in your response to any detected intrusion. It is highly recommended to keep programs patched when receiving security updates from vendors. This logs in all activities and you will be able to detect anomalies.

It goes without saying that you should choose only trusted and reputed vendors when securing computer software and hardware.

Step 2: Partner with defensive entities

New defensive organizations have been set up in the public-private partnership model to counter cyber threats. The FBI can be used as a resource to keep learning new threats and defense mechanisms. Your system should be kept secure with effective firewalls and moderate to highly strong passwords. System firewalls are also great aids in warding off threats.

Use strong antivirus software. Update regularly and run weekly checks to detect and remove anything unusual.

Step 3: Create a watertight security policy

Ask employees not to open email attachments that look even remotely dubious. If there is no pressing need, do not respond to messages from unknown sources. Install regular check routines to ensure compliance with regulations and policies. Follow reports and news that warn about regular threats, including new worms or malware circulated by cyber terrorists.

Install filters that screen out messages or material from known sources of cyber terrorism and even from some rogue countries.

Step 4: Keep testing the waters

It is a wise idea to employ a security service that keeps running tests on your systems and reports any discrepancy. You may use a secure encryption service for both external and internal messages. A good company will also provide you with a password system that regularly checks passwords. Make sure to use complex passwords that include combinations of special characters, upper and lower cases and numbers.

Cyber terrorism could be an amateur adventure or a planned attack by trained professionals. Following the steps mentioned above will help you shield both.

We have entered into 2016, yet cyber attacks continue to plague the world. Call it unfortunate or attribute it to the present times, security strategies need to be tightened by people all over the world. Hackers are said to have taken the meaning of risk to a different level altogether. So it will be nothing uncommon for them to launch some of the most unthinkable state-of-the-art attacks, which includes machine problems, jailbreaks, medical facilities another malware issues.

Despite consistent efforts in providing high-security network software and alerting customers about how to protect their data centers, carriers, and enterprises, security strategists do not rule out chances of deadly strikes.

Here’s taking a look at what the security industry is predicting in terms of cyber attacks; all of which can become deadly if not dealt well in advance.

Headless worm

Viruses were always present but brace yourself for newer ones! ‘Headless worms’ would be the appropriate term used that are likely to travel from device to device in the forms of suspicious codes and can manifest themselves in smartphones, medical kits, and innovative watches. That doesn’t mean computers are safe! With such codes having a greater chance of multiplying across several other connected devices, there is an extra reason to be anxious about.

Cloud Jail-breaking

The world is witnessing a new high of cloud infrastructure, which includes ‘software-based computers’. That certainly puts extra pressure on people and companies to be on the lookout for malware that can crack these cloud-based systems. Given how enterprises seem to be largely dependent on virtualization, incidences of cyber attacks can increase by several notches. As experts say, planning is the key and firms need to change the existing ‘cyber security mindsets’.

Not to miss out on mobile devices flaunting apps that only paves the path for hackers to attack both private and public clouds.

The Sandbox Phenomenon

A number of corporations have taken to testing new software in a ‘sandbox’ prior to having them on the networks. Basically, this is an effective way to perform greater inspection and thereby detect possible threats. Hackers are smarter than before and know exactly how to create ‘two-faced malware’ to achieve their targets.

Reality said, the volume of cyber attacks will only rise, thanks to technology. However, threats can best be overcome by an optimistic attitude and working up collaboratively to ward off these issues. Frankly, it’s difficult but attainable an objective.